Comparison of Survival and Growth of Litopenaeus Vannamei (Crustacea: Decapoda) Postlarvae Reared in Static and Recirculating Culture Systems‪.‬

Abstract. -- Experiments were conducted to compare survival and growth of Litopenaeus vannamei postlarvae (P[L.sub.8]-P[L.sub.10]) in static (zero water exchange) and recirculating (130% water turnover per hour) culture systems. Experiment one evaluated three dietary phosphorus levels (0.4, 0.8 and 1.2%) and three inorganic phosphorus sources (CaHP[O.sub.4], [Na.sub.2]HP[O.sub.4] and Na[H.sub.2]P[O.sub.4]). Experiment two evaluated three dietary protein levels (10, 18 and 25%) and two lipid levels (3 and 11%). Survival of PLs from both experiments averaged 86.1% [+ or -] 8.8 in the static, and 83.8% [+ or -] 11.4 in the recirculating culture system. Survival of PL did not vary significantly in Experiment one regardless of culture system. In Experiment two, PL survival was significantly lower in the recirculating system for diets containing higher lipid levels. Growth (increase in weight) of PL was significantly higher in the static culture system for all diets evaluated in both experiments except for diets containing 10% protein. Average growth of PL fed diets containing 18% or higher protein levels within the static culture system was enhanced more than 40% compared to the recirculating system. Excluding diets with 10% protein, feed conversion ratios were below 2.1 for both culture systems. These data indicated that water management strategies should be researched further to optimize the culture system while ameliorating potential environmental impacts. **********